







mm f; \ 





Class F ^fe 
Book M. 



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INFORMATION 



FOE 



KANZAS IMMIGRANTS : 



PREPARED BY 



THOMAS., HV.WE^B. 



V , 



SECRETARY OF THE NEW ENQI^ND. EMIGRANT, AJP .CO 



THIRD EDITION. 



BOSTON: 

PRINTED BY /.t.fred MUDGE & SON, 

No. 21 School street. 

18 5 5. 






Uo. 3 Winter Street, 

HEAD OF THE SECOND FLIGHT OF STAIRS, ON THE LEFT. 



OFFICEHS, 

ELECTED MARCH 5th, 1855 



PRESIDENT . 

JOHN CARTER BROWN, of Providence, R. I. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 
ELI THAYER, of Worcester ; J. M. S. WILLIAMS, of Cambridge, Mass. 

TREASURER. 
AMOS A. LAWRENCE, of Boston. 

SECRETARY. 

; THOMAS ;H. WlBB, of Boston. 

' DIRECTORS. 
Wm. B. Spooner, of Boston; Samuel Cabot, Jr., M. D., of Boston; John 
LoweTl,"o/ Bostmi .Wm.'J. Rotoh,'o/ New Bedford; J. P. Williston, of North- 
ampiQn;: ,Wm-.\Diic!ley Pi'ciwnan, of'-ISulem; R. JP. Waters, of Beverly; R. A. 
Chapman, of Springfield; John Nesmith, of Lowell; Alvah Crocker, of Fitch- 
burg; Moses Davenport, of Newhuryport; Charles H. Bigelow, of Lawrence; 
Nathan Dnrfee, of Fall River; Wm. Willis, ofPoi-tland, 3Ie.; Fi-anklin Muzzy, 
of Bangor, Me; John D. Lang, of Vassalboi^o', Me.; E. P. Walton, of Mont- 
pelier, Vt.; Jos. Gilmore, of Concord, N. E.; Ichabod Goodwin, of Portsmouth, 
N. K; Thomas M. Edwards, of Keene, N. K; Albert Day, of Hartford, Ct-. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Messrs. J. M. S. Williams, Eli Thayer, John Lowell, S. Cabot, Jr., M. D. 
R. P. Waters, and {ex officio) the Treasurer, A. A. Lawrence. 



SECRETARY'S ADDRESS, 

THOMAS H. WEBB. ^'^' D- 

Secretary New England J'^migrant Aid Company. 

BOSTON, MASS. 



Office of the N. E. Emigrant Aid Co. 
No. 3 Winter Street, Boston. 



■I 



In answer to the numerous inquiries respecting 
Kanzas, daily addressed to the Secretary both by 
letter and in person, the following circular has been 
prepared, which contains as concise and definite replies 
as can conveniently be furnished at short notice. It is 
scarcely necessary to say that no methodic arrange- 
ment has been attempted. I would premise that — 

The Company has not endeavored, neither does it 
now endeavor, to entice people to go to Kanzas. — 
Its course has been, and still is, to collect the best 
and most reliable information relative to the Territory, 
and furnish the same to those desiring it. Each indi- 
vidual having received, and duly weighed the informa- 
tion, must then decide for himself, whether or not it is 
advisable to immigrate. If the decision be to go, the 
Company will do all in its power to speed him on his 
destined way, and afford him such facilities in locat- 
ing as it may from time to time be enabled to do. 
The principal advantages to be derived through the 
Company are, diminution in the rates of fare, — protec- 
tion, as far as possible, from the imposition practised 
on the unwary by runners, speculators, and others, — 
advice through agents in Kanzas relative to selecting 
suitable sites for settlements, and (what we deem the 
paramount advantage,) the opportunity of forming com- 
munities at once, and thus, early enjoying, all the 
benefits resulting from association, instead of locating, 
as is usually the case, at wide-spread distances, and in 
consequence generations passing by, before any •of the 
benefits and privileges of settlements can be realized. 
Beyond extending these facilities, the Conipdny does not 
pledge itself] though, if its appeal to the public be satis- 



4 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

factorily responded to, it will do whatever may be in 
its power, in the way of improvements, to promote 
the welfare, and advance the prosperity of such settle- 
ments as originate under its auspices. 

Time of Departure. — The first regular Spring 
Party, numbering about 200 individuals, left Boston for 
Kanzas, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 13th. 
The second Party took its departure on the 20th inst., 
and hereafter, one will leave at least weekly, for the 
present, on Tuesday. 

Fare. — The passage fare for each adult, from here to 
to Kanzas City,* Mo., will be thirty-seven dollars, until 
the Summer arrangement of railroads and steamboats is 
made, after which it will be somewhat less ; for children 
between the ages of 14 and 5 years, half-price ; under 

5 years, passage free ; over 14 years full price. Tickets 
must he procured at this Office^ or through some 
authorized Agent of the Company. 

Meals and Lodging — These from St. Louis to 
Kanzas City are included in the price above stated ; 
but both are extra charges prior to reaching St. Louis.-f 

The Parties will spend the first night at Albany if 
the Western route, — at Rutland, if the Fitchburg route, — 
is taken ; lodging and breakfast 75 cts. Subsequently, 
accidents excepted, the journey will be continued unin- 
terruptedly to St. Louis, unless a Sunday intervenes. 

The first Parties will necessarily go the whole dis- 
tance to Alton by railroad. As soon as the Lake Erie 
navigation re-opens that route will be preferred, as it 
will afford an opportunity for a second night's rest. 

* Kanzas City is near the border of the Territory, at the mouth of the 
Kanzas river. Here parties disembark, and make tlie necessary aiTange- 
ments for going at their own expense., to tliat section of Kanzas Territory, 
where, by the advice of the Go's Agents, or their own choice, they decide to 
locate. 

t On this part of the route, regular meals as at Hotels, cannot be had, and 
should €iot be expected ; as on all other railroad routes, at way stations, 
persons have an opportunity of taking a luncli, or of purchasing various arti- 
cles of food ; so that the cost need not average more than 20 cents the meal, 
and the whole expense to. St. Louis ought not to exceed $5.00. Persons having 
families with them can materially lessen their expenses, by taking along in a 
tin can, a boiled ham, or some corned beef, crackers and cheese, &c. 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 



5 



Amount of Baggage. — Each whole ticket entitles 
the holder to carry 100 lbs. of baggage ; half-price 
ticket 50 lbs. All excess will be charged at the rate of 
about |3.00 per 100 lbs. If sent as freight, tlie charge 
will be from here to St. Louis ^2.50 per 100 lbs. In 
either case, from St. Louis to Kanzas City the cost 
will vary from i of a cent to 2J cents the pound, ac- 
cording to the season of the year, and the competition 
prevailing. 

PackixXG and Directing. — All baggage should be 
packed in trunks, chests, or very moderate size well 
made boxes, with strong handles; in no case should 
large boxes, barrels, or ricketty packages of any kind 
be used. The owner's name and place of destination 
should be conspicuously marked on his baggage; and 
in addition, the following, in large letters — Kanzas 
Party's Baggage. 

Checks for Baggage. — Those who join the Parties 
at Boston, Worcester, Springfield, or other places 
where the baggage is checked, must be sure to have it 
attended to, and to receive the duplicate or counter 
check from the Baggage Master. 

Change of Baggage. — Whenever, on the route, a 
change of baggage is to take place, each individual 
should, for the greater security, personally see that his 
own is carried with the rest to the railroad or boat, as 
the case may be. // jnislaid, prompt notice should be 
given to the Agent hiving charge of the Party^ that 
he may at once notify the Conductor, or other suitable 
Railroad or Steamboat Officer. 

Freight. — When freight is to be sent, the owner or 
his agent should obtain from the Transportation or 
Forwarding Agent at Boston, a receipt in duplicate for 
its safe delivery at St. Louis. On the owner's arrival 
at St. Louis, if in advance of the freight, he should, 
leave one of the receipts with the Company's Agent, 
Mr. B. Slater, 27 Levee, who will take charge of ship- 
ping it to Kanzas City. The owner should not pay 



O INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

freightage until the goods are delivered to him or his 
order, at Kanzas City. 

The packages, if to be sent by the Michigan Cen- 
tral or Great Western Railroad route, should be 

[Owner's name here.] 

Kanzas City. 
Care of C. & M. R. R. 

Chicat'o. 




marked 

To the care of 



B. Slater, 27 Levee, St. Louis. 

If the Lake Shore Railroad be preferred, substitute 
(in the square) the following, viz : 

Lake Shore Route. 
Time Contract. 

Packages, marked as above, can be forwarded from 
the Freight Depot of the Western Railroad, Lincoln 
Street. If forwarded from the Fitchburg Freight 
Depot, substitute in the square, N. for W,, or prefix 
American to Lake Shore Route.* 

All articles not immediately wanted, had better, for 
economy's sake, be sent as freight. The charge per 
100 lbs. from Boston' to St. Louis, will be about $2,50; 
average time 18 days. 

Shipping Freight. — It will be still more economi- 
cal, and far better, where the quantity of freight is 
large, to ship it to New Orleans, and thence send it by 
steamer to St. Louis. In this case, mark as before, 
with name and destination ; and in addition, Care of 
E. M. Daly & Co., New Orleans, to be forwarded to 
B. Slater, 27 Levee, St. Louis. Such freight left 
with Messrs. Allen & Weltch, No. 129 State Street, 
Boston, will be duly shipped. Freight to New Or- 



* stencil Plates with these directions will be found at the above named 
Depots. 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 



7 



leans, 5 to 6 cents per cubic foot ; $2 to $3 per ton ; 
barrels, capable of holding 150 lbs., 25 to 30 cents 
each. Cost from New Orleans to St. Louis about 50 
cents the 100 lbs. Time, usually 20 days to New 
Orleans, and about the same thence to St. Louis. In- 
surance the whole distance, 2i- per cent. 

No Pledge Required. — The emigrants come under 
no written obligation or pledge to the Company ; they 
leave here free agents and it is hoped they will con- 
tinue so to be. Still, knowing that the great object is 
to secure freedom for all, it is presumed that no one 
will be so dishonest as to avail of the advantages and 
privileges that may be secured through the Company's 
means, and then war against its principles. 

Neither is it necessary for an individual who pur- 
poses removing to Kanzas, to become a member of the 
Company, in order to join one of its Parties. Unless 
such an one has ample means, instead of subscribing 
for stock, let him husband his means, in order to make 
them as available as possible after he arrives at his new 
abode. 

What to take, and where to buy. — Most articles 
not owned, had better not be purchased prior to reach- 
ing St. Louis or Kanzas Cit)^ Good clothing, suited for 
service, not show, such as is adapted for this section of 
the Country ; also bedding, (not beds, on account of 
their bulk,) and perhaps some choice articles of furni- 
ture, had better be sent along ; but most of the neces- 
saries for house-keeping, also agricultural implements, 
&c., can be obtained on reasonable terms at the places 
above designated. Mechanics, who will require their 
tools immediately, had better take them along at bag- 
gage prices ; time being to them money, they will save 
by this course. 

Cattle. — The price of good working cattle, horses, 
cows, &c., is nearly the same in Kanzas and its vicin- 
ity as in New England. During the last month (Jan.) 
the price of cows ranged from $12 to $25 ; oxen per 
yoke, from $50 to $75; horses from $75 to $100 
each ; common sheep from $1 to $1,50 each. 



8 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

Consult Company's Agents. — In regard to these and 
other purchases, as well as for information about the Ter- 
ritory, desirable places for settlement, &c., Parties on 
their arrival at Kanzas City are recommended to con- 
sult Samuel C. Pomeroy, Esq., one of the Company's 
Agents, who Avill at all times, cheerfully and promptly 
furnish reliable information, and conscientiously advise 
them how, in his judgment, they are most likely to ad- 
vance their own interests, and aid in accomplishing the 
prime object had in view by the Company. Dr. Charles 
Robinson and Charles H. Branscomb, Esq., both active, 
highly efficient, and perfectly reliable Agents, will counsel 
and advise all who apply to them ; and any other Agents, 
who maybe from time to time employed, w^ill be instruct- 
ed to offer every facility that consistently can be done, 
to all who migrate under the Company's auspices. 

Means. — As regards the amount of means requisite 
to make a person " comfortable," people will vary in 
their estimate, according to their ideas of what consti- 
tutes comfort. With a hundred dollars clear of ex- 
penses, wherewith to commence territorial life, a person 
of good moral habits, and reasonable and moderate de- 
sires, should be able always to keep above want, what- 
ever pursuit or avocation he may follow, whether that 
of a farmer, mechanic, or laborer; provided he is blessed 
with ordinary health, and proves active, energetic, and 
industrious. 

Land, how acquired. — The land is to be purchased 
of the United States, at $1,25 per acre ; 160 acres and 
no more can be taken, and this only by an actual set- 
tler in person ; the individual must be a citizen of the 
United States, or have filed his declaration of intention 
to become such, and either be the head of a family, or 
a widow, or a single man, over the age of 21 years. 
Payment may be made at any time after the Govern- 
ment Survey, but need not be until immediately prior 
to the commencement of the public sale in that dis- 
trict ; the money cannot be paid portions at a time ; lo- 
cations may be made any where, save on the Govern- 
ment, or Indian reserves, or on certain tracts which, by 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 



^ 



Law, are exempted from the operations of the Preemp- 
tion Act ; the person must be an inhabitant of the tract 
and, in person, have made a settlement, and erected 
a dwelling thereon; within three months after it 
has been surveyed by the United States, it must be 
duly entered at the Registry Office of the District 
within which it is located. 

To quiet the fears of those who apprehend that 
all of the desirable portions of the Territory have 
been, or in a few weeks will be, secured, it may 
be sufficient to say that there are millions of acres 
from which farm lots may now be selected, and 
that the quantity of laiid open to preemption is suf- 
ficient to accommodate seventyfive thousand families, 
e7nbracing half a million of individuals. Although, 
therefore, the farm lots in the immediate vicinity of, 
perhaps for miles around Lawrence, may be, and prob- 
ably are, ere this, secured, there is a plenty of as good 
ones awaiting new comers. Let them found other 
New England or rather Liberty settlements, of a simi- 
lar character. To effect this requires neither magic 
nor supernatural power; New England energy, indus- 
try, and perseverance, seconded by the efforts of true 
sons of Liberty, who went forth from various sections 
of the Union brought the one, and can bring others 
into existence. Various sites for such settlements have 
been selected, and on application will be designated by 
the Company's Agents. 

AVooD AND Timber. — There is not an extreme scar- 
city, and there is far from an over-abundance of wood ; 
sufficient can be procured on reasonable terms for all 
ordinary purposes. The advantage resulting from the 
limited supply is far greater than the disadvantage : for 
the consequence is a freedom from roots and stumps, 
the frequent occurrence of which, in many sections of 
our Country, proves a serious inconvenience to the Agri- 
culturist, and requires for removal an expenditure of 
much time, money, and labor, in order to place the 
ground in an arable condition. The Law of Compensa- 



10 INFORMATION AND ADVICE. 

tion is here found admirably exemplified; for the imder- 
supply of wood for fuel is more than made good by the 
vast coal deposites known to exist in the Territory — the 
under-supply of timber for building purposes is made 
good by the abundance of lime and clay — the deficiency 
of fencing stuff by suitable material for walls ; and in a 
few years by cultivating the Osage Orange, which will 
grow luxuriantly, hedges will supersede the necessity 
of any other means for forming inclosures. Though 
timber, to a person from a lumber region, would seem 
scarce, the scarcity is not one that w^ill necessarily be 
constantly on the increase, as settlements multiply, 
and the lands are reclaimed from their present state ; in- 
asmuch as the«limited growth arises, not from u neon- 
geniality of climate, unsuitableness of soil, or absence 
of seed, but from the frequent prevalence, year after 
year, of vast prairie fires that sweep every thing before 
them, and thus stint, or entirely prevent the growih of 
tree or shrub. Arrest the fires, and woodlands will 
soon abound. Small, however, as the proportion of 
woodland is now said to be, one of the Company's 
Agents, a few months since, contracted for 600 cords of 
standing wood at 25 cents per cord, and 600 logs of 
timber at 50 cents' per log, the logs averaging half a 
thousand each. About half of the quantity is now 
cut, and yet there is no perceptible diminution or thin- 
ning out of trees. The principal varieties of wood are 
bass or linwood, cottonwood, hickory, oak, black wal- 
nut, ash, sycamore, hackberry, &c. 

Weather. — Tliere has been no necessary suffering the 
past or present season, from inclemency of the weather 
at Lawrence. The Governor states that, the last of 
December a fire was unnecessary ; and a resident at 
the Company's Settlement writes that " on the 27th 
of December, mechanics and others were comfortably 
at work in the open air without their coats, whilst 
the few idlers were basking in the sun like snakes in 
June," There has not been, however, an ent re free- 
dom from cold and stormy weather. Up to the close 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 11 

of the year, there had occurred but one fall of snow, 
which was to the depth of two inches, and disappeared 
within three days ; in January only five inches of snow 
fell. 

A gentleman, who has resided at one of the Missions 
for fifteen years, says the greatest depth of snow at any 
one time during that long period was six inches. 

The past season there was no frost in the ground 
before the close of December ; frost generally disappears 
by the beginning of March. 

The annual fall of rain is under thirty inches. The 
rainy season usually commences in March and con- 
tinues about two months; during which the roads are 
somewhat heavy, and travelling tedious. Few days, 
however, pass by without the sun showing itself. 

According to Thermometrical Tables carefully kept at 
Lawrence by Dr. H. Clark,* the average temperature in 
November, at sunrise, was 29 '=' F.; at 1 o'clock, P. 
M., 49i ^ ; and at i of an hour past sunset 44^ ^ . 
The average in December, at the same periods were, 
25i ^ , A9^ , and 42 ^ ; and in January, 23 ^ , 39 ^ , 
and 32J ^ . 

The Kanzas Herald of Freedom under date of Feb. 
10th, says, "but once has the mercury gone down to 
zero ; and by those long on the ground we are assured 
that this is an uncommon occurrence ; while the mean 
of all the observations will average only at the freezing 
point. Where we would ask, could a more delightful 
winter temperature be found? None who have design- 
ed to make I^anzas their homes need be deterred from 
coming from any fear in respect to extreme cold. 
When the time shall arrive that we shall be surrounded 
with the comforts and conveniences of the older States, 
such a thing as discomfort on this account will be un- 
known." 

Provisions. — There has been no deficiency of these ; 
for in Lawrence, as elsewhere, the demand has created 

* We trust that Dr. Clark will continue his highly interesting and valuable 
meteorological observ'ations. 



13 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

a supply, by prompting those residing on the borders 
of the Territory to bring of their abundance to the 
Settlement ; and the competition has been sufficient to 
keep prices reasonable. This undoubtedly will hold 
true at other settlements. 

After the first year, the settlements will not only 
supply themselves, but have a surplus to dispose of. 

A market for all such surplus may, for years to come, 
be found near at hand, inasmuch as thousands are pass- 
ing through that region every year along the California, 
Santa Fe, and Great Salt Lake City routes, all of 
whom require more or less supplies ; besides, the Missouri 
and Mississippi Rivers, and soon a line of railroads, 
will afibrd facilities for reaching other markets. 

Prices Current. — As inquiries are constantly being 
made respecting the cost of various articles, the follow- 
ing Prices Current are presented, showing the state of 
the market at the Company's first settlement, and at 
Kanzas City, Mo., at this time : 

PRICES CURRENT. 



Lawrence, February 10, 1855. 
Corn — $1 50 per bushel : corn meal $1 50 per 50 lbs. 
Beans — $3 75 per bushel. 

Flour — In sacks, $4 a $4 50 per hundred ; superfine, $5 50. 
Green Apples — $2 per bushel : dried, $1 50 a $2 50. 
Dried Peaches — $2 a $2 25 per bushel. 
Butter — Fresh, 30 c. ; very scarce. 
Beef — 5 a 7c. per lb. 
Pork — In bulk, $6 a 6 50 per hundred. 

Hams — Smoked, 13c. ; bacon, 10c. ; prime pickled pork, 10c. 
Lard — 12>^c. per lb. 
Tallow — 12j^c. per lb. 
Cheese — 20 a 25c per lb. ; 'scarce. 
Eggs — 20c per doz. None in market. 
Salt — Coarse and table, $1 50 per bushel. 
Sugar — New Orleans, 7 « 8c ; crushed, 14c. ; white, 10c. 
Molasses — Sugar house, 50c.; golden syrup, 75 « 80c.; syrup, 60c. 
Rice— 12>^c. per lb. 
Crackers — 10, 12 a J 5c per lb. 
Codfish — 12>^c per lb. 
Cojtee — 14 a 16^c. per lb. 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 13 

Tea— Black, 40 a 60c. per lb. ; green, 60 a $1 25. 

Tobacco — 25 a 50c. per lb. 

Sal^ratus — 10c per lb. 

Bar Soap — 8 a 10c per lb. 

Coarse Boots — $2 75, $S a $3 25 per pair. 

Blankets— $2 a $H. 

Buffalo Robes — $3 a $8. 

Calicoes — 10 a 20c. pr yd. 

De Laines — 35 a 50c per jd. 

Sheetings — coarse, lie. ; domestic, 9 a 10c. ; bleached, 10 a 15c. 

Lamp Oil — $1 25 per gall. 

Burning Fluid — $1 25 per gall. 

Iron — Bar, 9c. ; round and square, 10 a lie. ; nail rod, 123^0. 

Nails — ^7 75 a 8 per hundred. 

Hides — Dried, 6c. ; green, 3c. 

Hay — $15 per ton. 

Lumber — $15 a 20 per thousand feet. 

Hard Wood — $2 per cord. 

Shot — 10c. per lb, ; lead, 10c. ; powder, 35 o 50. 

Window Sash — 8 a 10c. per light. 

KANZAS WHOLESALE MARKET. 



Kanzas City, Mo., Feb. 3, 1855. 

Sugar — N. 0., from fair to prime, 63^ a l^o^. ; Belcher's refined, 
7}4 ^ 8c. ; crushed and powdered, 11 a ll^c. per lb. 

Coffee — Choice Rio, 14c. : Laguayra, 13c. ; Java, 15 a 16c. per 
lb. 

Molasses — Sugar-house, 50 to 60c. ; New Orleans, 35 a 40c. ; 
golden syrup, 60 a 65c. per gall. 

Tea — Imperial, from 45 to 80c. ; young hyson, from 55 to 80c. 
per lb. 

Fish — Mackerel, No. 1, per bbl., $18 ; half bbl., $12 ; No. 2, per 
bbl., $15 ; half bbl, UO ; kits, $3 50 a $4. 

Naval Stores — Rosin and pitch, S6 ; tar none. 

Salt— G. A., $4 25 ; L. B., $^4 50 per sack. 

Flour — Choice brands retail from store at $4 25 a $4 50 per 100 
lbs. ; a moderate reduction made on large sales ; fine, $3 50 a $3 75 
per 100 lbs. nominal. 

Bacon and Lard — Sugar-cured hams, none ; clear sides, dull at 7 
a 8c. ; lard, 8c. per lb. 

Wheat — Fair to good, $1 15 ; prime red and white, $1 25 per 
bushel. 

Grain — Corn in sacks, 85c. ; in the ear, 80c. ; oats, 50c. per bush, 
unsettled. 

Corn Meal — 90 c. per bushel. 

Candy and Raisins — Candy, $3 75 ; raisins, $4 50 per box ; figs, 
20c. per lb. 



14 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

Lead — Bar, 9c. per lb. ; no pig in market; 

Dried Fruit — Peaches, old crop, dull at SI 00 ; good, 5^2 00. 
Apples in demand and scarce at $1 25 per bushel. 

Castings and Nails — Castings, 6c. ; nails, 7 a Tj^c. per lb. 

Oils and Paints — Linseed oil, 5^1 25 ; tanner's, §1 50 ; lard, Si 
per gall. White lead, pure, S3 ; not, $2 75 per keg. 

Soap and Candles — Palm soap, 7c. ; Castile, 20c. ; star candles, 
27c. ; tallow, 13c. per lb. 

Tallow and Beeswax — Tallow, 10c. ; beeswax, 18c. per lb. 

Hides — Dry flint, 7 a 71-2 c. ; salted, 5c, per lb. 

Potatoes and Onions — Irish potatoes, SI 50 ; sweet, S2 ; onions 
in demand at $1 25 per bushel. 

Bftter AND Eggs — Choice butter, 25c. per lb. ; eggs scarce at 25o. 
per dozen. 

Beef and Pork — Beef, 6 a 7c. ; Pork, 6 a 7c. per lb, 

Buffalo Robes — No sales reported. 



Modes of Conveyance. — Vehicles are almost daily 
passing between Kanzas City, Lawrence, and Topek-i, 
by which means those who intend settling in the vicin- 
ity of said towns will be conveyed there, for about two 
dollars the passage. Persons and Parties destined for 
other sections of the Territory may engage convey- 
ances at Kanzas City ; or will probably adopt the 
course pursued by some who have preceded them ; viz. 
those who intend to be Farmers will purcliase their 
teams, and thus afford means for taking along the bag- 
gage of all their associates. In the course of the sea- 
sou one or more steamboats and flat boats, constructed 
for the purpose, will ply on the Kanzas river, ascending 
150 miles or more, according to the stage of the water, 
and the encouragement extended to the enterprise. 

Accommodations in the Territory. — Receiving 
houses are or will be established at a Jew places in the 
Territory, (as Lawrence and Topeka,) unless, as now 
appears probable, the necessity for them is superseded 
by the opening of boarding-houses. Not, however, 
being constructed on a locomotive princi})le, settlers 
must not be so unreasonable as to expect to meet vnth 
them every where throughout that vast region ; neither 
are they necessary, (however convenient,) inasmuch as 
all who go out this Spring and Summer, will, if Indus- 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 15 

trious, have ample time to provide themselves with 
sheher, prior lo the ensaing winter. The quickest, 
cheapest, and most comfortable way of securing shel- 
ter at the onset, is to take along tents. These should 
be procured on I lie way out, at St. Louis. One of suf- 
ficient size to lodge four or five individuals may be 
had for $8 or $10.* 

Families. — Whether or not to take one's family 
along, or go ahead and prepare the way for it, depends 
on many circumstances, varying greatly in different 
cases, a knowledge of which is essential, satisfactorily 
to decide the question. Where the wife is feeble, has 
an infant, or several young children, or from any cause 
cannot lend a helping hand, she Itad heller remain be- 
liind^ until the ntio home is provided for her ; or, if 
taken along, she had better be boarded at the nearest 
convenient place to the spot selected for a location. If, 
on the other hand, the woman is the man, or is in 
truth a helpmate^ and can cheerfully submit to roughing 
it for a xohile^ if the children be of an age and charac- 
ter suited to prove serviceable, let them be taken along. 
If families remain back, it will be unnecessary to re- 
turn for them, as there will always be^some one going 
out under whose charge they can be placed. 

Board. — This can be obtained at Kanzas City and 
Parkville, Mo., at Lawrence and Topeka, K. T., and 
perhaps at some of the Missions, for about $2.5(J to 
$3.00 per week. 

Employment. — Work is not guaranteed by the Com- 
pany to any one] but wherever settlements already are, 
or hereafter may be started, good mechanics will find 
employment at remunerative prices ; particularly car- 
penters, masons, blacksmiths, harness-makers, brick- 
makers, &,c. Gov. Reeder says — 

" This is a most lovely and promising country. There is no finer 
under the sun, and next summer it will be a rich harvest for all 
kind of building mechanics and laborers. Last season stone masons 
and carpenters got $2.25 and $2.50 a day, laborers $1.25 and $1.50. 

* See further on p. 17. 



16 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

A legion of them will be needed early in the spring and all summer. 
If you have any to spare send them along. We shall pay out in 
the Territory near a million of dollars in building, and a man can be 
earning the highest wages and getting a good farm at ^1 .25 per 
acre at the same time. The Government alone will spend {jj^lOO.UOO 
or $150,000 in stone buildings, at Fort Riley. The stone mason, 
carpenter, brickmaker, bricklayer, plasterer, laborer, limeburner, 
&c., can lay the foundation of a fortune here the first year. Send 
them on, I know they will not repent it. We have as yet had 
nothing I would call winter, and I doubt if it will be any colder. 
Spring opens about the 1st of March, and mechanics, &c., should 
be here at that time. There are some tAventy towns laid out, the 
greater part of which must be built up, to say nothing of farm 
houses, &c." 

As already suggested, the Company advises no one^ 
entirely destitute of means^ to go out, at this early 
period; individuals who can command the requisite 
funds, (which indeed are but small.) to sustain them the 
first year, in other words until a crop is raised, or 
employment is sure, can go in perfect safety, and 
unquestionably should better their condition by going ; 
others may find sufficient work to supply means, but it 
is premature for a very large number of such to go, 
although thus far the supply of laborers has not kept 
pace with the demand ; men of determined energy, 
great self-relianSe, industrious and temperate habits, 
who are not easily disheartened, and whose indomita- 
ble perseverance will enable them to surmount such 
obstacles as the settlers of new regions will be obliged 
to encounter, though less perhaps in Kanzas than in most 
unreclaimed regions, such need not hesitate to immi- 
grate, though dependent solely on their hands and 
daily exertions for a livelihood ; all others, who are 
thus destitute, should "bide their time." 

Climate. — Professional men pronounce the climate 
a remarkably healthy one, admirably adapted to tJ3ose 
having a tendency to diseases of the lungs. It is in a 
great measure free from that pest of many Western 
places, intermittents, or fever and ague; (chills and 
fever, as popularly termed ;) cases can and do occur 
there, mainly, however, from imprudence ; and proba- 
bly will be met with to some extent, on the first break- 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 17 

ing np of the lands ; but such is the character of the 
country, and consequent deficiency of exciting mate- 
riel, it can never become a prevalent or permanent 
disease. 

^' The only objection we have found to the climate 
of Kanzas, thus far," (says the Herald of Freedom.) 
'• is the heav}^ winds, which usually blow from one to 
three days at a time over the prairies, making it rather 
disagreeable to be exposed out of doors. We think 
the wind and storms are not more violent than in 
Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio." 

Cost of Building. — This of course must vary ac- 
cording to the material used, the size, style, &c. The 
main aim at first, when so many important matters will 
require attention, should be to put up a cheap, tempo- 
rary shelter. A tent costing ^8 or $10, will accommo- 
date, tolerably well, five or six persons; a sod cabin, 
(Lawrence style of architecture.) which will make a 
comfortable dwelling in winter, even, may be con- 
structed in a couple of days or less, at an expense of 
eight to twelve dollars. The mode of building these, 
is thus described in the Kanzas Herald of Freedom : 
'' Select a spot where good sod can be obtained easily; 
with an axe cut the turf into blocks two feet square ; 
insert a spade under the surface about five inches, life 
the sod, and place it as you would a stone in building 
fences. When ihe walls are sufficiently high, lay on 
the rafters in the usual form; then lay sticks across 
from one rafter to another, about twelve inches apart: 
on top of these throw some hay, and on the hay lay 
the sods. Cut in a door and window, and a stove will 
make a comfortable home for the winter." 

Time of commencing farm work, cost, kind, and 
VALUE OF CROPS, &c. — Ou tlicsc poiuts, WO avail of infor- 
mation furnished for publication by an individual bit- 
terly and uncompromisingly opposed to the present New 
England movement, and who has exerted himself to 
throw all the impediments and discouragements possi- 
ble in the way of those who contemplate emigrating 
from the Free States; when such a person is com- 
pelled to make so flattering statements as the sub- 



18 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

joined, there is no necessity for our friends offering 
any extra iiiducemcnts to freemen to become citizens 
of Kanzas. It may be well to premise that the cost of 
hiring Prairie land broken up, will be about three dol- 
lars per acre ; and we understand that individuals, suita- 
bly prepared, and acquainted with the business, purpose 
pursuing it as a vocation ; so that what Gen. Stringfellow 
deems an insuperable difficulty in the way of New 
England and Western Farmers, can easily be obviated ; 
and where no one can be hired, resort will be had to a 
very common practice, of which he seems ignorant, 
of doubling, or trebling teams, and thus mutually aid- 
ing one another. He says, — 

" The greatest difiiealty is in the command of the requisite labor — 
the hands and team necessary to break and enclose the land. To 
one who has this, it is far easier and cheaper to make a farm of one 
hundred acres or move, in the prairie than in the timber. Indeed, 
in Missouri it is deemed better and cheaper in the end to make a 
farm of three hundred acres in the prairie and to haul the rails ten 
miles than to clear timbered land. 

The plough used will turn over from twenty to twenty-six inches, 
and one team will break from two to two and a half acres per day. 
The cattle require no other feed, but will keep fat on the grass while 
at work. The proper season for breaking prairie is from the first of 
May to the middle of July ; up to which time corn can be planted. 
The corn is dropped in the furrow, by a boy who can sit on the 
plough, and is covered by the plough. It will usually mature and 
make good corn if planted as early as the 1st of June. That planted 
later will make good stock feed. 

Prairie may be broken as late as the middle of August, and will, 
if sown, yield a wheat crop equal to any that can be afterwards 
grown on the ground. 

To one who has stock to feed, the crop of corn on the sod is always 
worth the cost of breaking ; and will, in a good season, pay for 
breaking and enclosing. 

In the second year, the farm is in perfect condition ! There are 
no stumps, but the sod is rotted, and your field clear of weeds and 
grass, is light and mellow as an ash-bank. In the prairie, too, a 
hand can cultivate one-third more than in the timber. 

I ought here to say that both in jNIissouri and Kanzas the winters 
are all always dry, and with but little snow, and hence hands are 
able to work during the entire winter." 

As regards yield of crops, the same writer makes 
the following statement, to show the great profit of 
s^are labor ; and we will not insult the good sense of 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 



19 



our friends, by doubting for a moment that a /reemaii 
can accomplish as much as a hondvndiW. He says, — 

" Lying in the same latitude, immecliatelj west, and along side of 
Missouri, the soil and climate of Kanzas cannot differ materially 
from those of ]Missouri. I am inclined to believe that Kanzas will 
prove even healthier than Missouri, there being less low marshy 
land in Kanzas. 

* * Before leaving home, I procured from intej,ligent farmers 
in Platte, a country bordering on Kanzas, a statement showing the 
amount of land which one hand can cultivate, with the yield per 
acre, and the market price of the products at home. I have no hes- 
itation in attesting its correctness. 

Amount of land to hand and yield per acre. 

Hemp — 7 to 8 acres, 80(/to 1200 pounds. 

Corn — 10 to 15 acres, 10 to 20 barrels. 

VV^heat — 10 to 15 acres, 20 to 45 bushels. 

Oats— 10 to 15 acres, 30 to 50 " 

VALUE OF PRODUCTS AT HOME. 

Hemp 24 tons at $8 per ton, 

Corn — 100 barrels at $1 per barrel, 

AYheat — 5 acres — 100 bushels at 80 cents per bushel, 

Oats — 5 acres — 150 bushels at 30 cents per bushel. 

Total least yield at lowest prices. 

Hemp — 4^ tons at 130 dollars per ton, 

Corn — 300 barrels at 2 dollars per barrel, 

Wheat — 5 acres — 225 bushels at 1 dollar per bushel, 

Oats — 5 acres — 250 bushels at 40 cents per bushel, 

Greatest yield at highest prices, $1,510 00 

This will, dou'tt.oss, seem an extravagant estimate ; yet the quo- 
tations of the markets will show that the maximum prices are less 
than the present market prices. Hemp has sold during the past season 
for $150 per tun. Wheat is worth $1,25 per bushel, and corn $3 per 
barrel. The yield, too, is often greater than the highest. But it is 
not less true that the greatest yield and highest price are not often 
together. ]My object is rather to show the least yield and the lowest 
price. 

To a distance of 150 miles west, the soil is but little, if any inferior 
to that of Missouri. Its great staples must be hemp and tobacco — 
* * * I need hardl}- say that the grains and grasses will all suc- 
ceed, where hemp and tobacco can be grown. 

I have said that Kanzas was not suited to the poor man ; I only 
intended to refer to those who design to till the ground. [! ! !] But 
to the poor mechanic it offers great inducements. To all carpenters 
especially, and to stone and brick masons it Avill give constant em- 
ployment at high wages. The rudest beginner receives $1,50 per 
day — good workmen, as journeymen, receive in regular employment 
from two to three dollars per day. Their expenses are light, the 
cost of living beinja; low." 



$200 00 


100 00 


80 00 


45 00 


$125 00 


585 00 


600 00 


225 00 


100 00 



'20 INFORMATION AND ADVICF 

To the preceding we would add, three of the best 
branches of business to engage in, are wool growing, 
stock raising, and dairy farming, for wliich purposes 
there probably is not to be found a superior region ; 
and those who early embark in either, will in a few 
years realize large fortunes, as the fruits of their in- 
dustry. 

Fencing, &c. — To fence with rails will cost about 
eighty cents per rod ; stone walls can be built for 
abont one dollar and fifly cents per rod. 

Indians. — From the Indians, the original and risfht- 
fiil owners of the soil, the Settler has nothing to fear, 
£0 long as in his intercourse with them, he squares iiis 
conduct by the Golden Rule. The poor Native has in 
times past suffered more, and now has far more to 
apprehend, from the white njan, than the white man 
from him. Most of those with whom the settlers will 
come in contact, are in, what we call, a semi-civilized 
state; they are not roving, -'wild Indians,'' here to- 
day and there to-morrow, but have permanent loca- 
tions, cultivate the soil, raise some cattle, sow and 
plant ; and from them, on fair terms, the immigrants 
may obtain vegetables, fencing stuff, &c., &.c. 

Settlements. — There are, at the present time, three 
settlements, under the auspices of the Company ; viz. 
Lawrence, situated about fifty miles abrve the mouth 
o{ the Kanzas river, lying south of it, and between it 
and the Wakarusa, — Topeka, of more recent date, 
situated on the Kanzas river, about twenty-five miles 
above Lawrence, — and Osawattamie, in the Osage 
country. Other settlements will be made the present 
season. The Company neither persuades persons to go 
to, nor dissuades them from settliiig at, either; each 
has its advantages, each its peculiarities; and whatever 
might be the opinion of the Company, every individual 
would or ought to select the one or the other, or avoid 
all as his own interest dictates. 

The Company, it should be distinctly vnder stood, is 
sending to Kanzas ; it knows neither North, Souths 
East, nor West, to the exclusioii of the remainder ; it is 
desirous of seeing the whole peopled with good men 



TO KANZAS IMJVIIG HANTS. 'Zl 

and true, who will maintain their own rights, and 
respect those of others; who, whilst they resolutely 
resist being encrociched upon by the lawless and reck- 
less, whencesoever they may come, will carefully 
refrain from committing unjust acts, or uttering harsh 
epithets against others, simply for a difference of 
opinion; who, save in extreme cases, will rely for vic- 
tory upon the teachings of the Bible r.nd Ballot-box, 
instead of the bottle and musket ; discarding the bottle 
altogether, and reserving the musket as a dernier resort. 

Religion and Education. — At Lawrence there are 
several regularly constituted religious societies of vari- 
ous denominations. A free school is established there, 
in which the oixlinary branches are taught, and mea- 
sures are in train to found an Academy for instruction in 
the higher branches. An Athenaeum has also been 
instituted ; by members of which, discussions are regu- 
larly held, and lectures delivered. Connected with this 
Institution is a Public Library. Sunday School Libra- 
ries also exist there. 

All of these means, for securing and elevating the 
mental, and moral condition of the community, will 
soon be in full operation at Topeka, and the other 
settlements of the Company. 

In behalf of each and all. the Secretary earnestly 
solicits contributions in money or books ; the former he 
icill endeavor judiciously to convert into books ; of the 
latter, almost every one has 771 ore or less, which, having 
done their mission here, loill still prove of exceeding 
value, for a similar purpose, in our new settlements. 
If the Secretary's efforts are approved and seconded by 
our friends here, he will be enabled to transmit to the 
Territory, by every Party, a package, the contents of 
which may prove of incalculable importance to our 
friends there. 

Size of Parties. — Parties, for their own comfort and 
convenience, should not exceed one hundred persons; 
and a larger number the Company does not advise to 
go at once ; neither is there a necessity for it, as at least 
weekly opportunities will be furnished. The capaci- 
ty and accommodations of the Missouri river Boats 



22 INFORMATION AND ADVICE 

vary ; but a certain number can be well cared for; and 
the Company discountenances any unreasonable crowd- 
ing on board of those Boats; it possesses not the magic 
power, as some unreasonably think, of enlarging the 
Boats' capacity to correspond with a Party's wants, or 
desires. The Agents therefore are enjoined against 
countenancing or permitting, so far as they can exercise a 
control, one over the proper number, from taking pas- 
sage in any Boat; if a contrary course be persisted in 
however, it must beat the risk of those who roill not he 
advised, and not on the responsibility of the Company. 

As however there will unquestionably be for some 
time a great rush, and Parties will be very large not- 
withstanding the advice of the Company, every one 
who goes must be content to submit to various incon- 
veniences, more especially in the Boats and at the 
Houses of Entertainment where they may temporarily 
stop. 

Those who go out early in the Spring will of course 
meet with more anno^^ance than those who leave later ; 
but, on the other hand, they will have a greater choice 
as regards location, and there will be more probability 
of their arriving in season to enjoy the right of exercis- 
ing the glorious privileges of freemen, at the first elec- 
tion ; a matter of great moment to them, and of vast 
mo7nent to all who may subsequently become citizens of 
the Territory. 

Temporary Organizations. — Parties are advised to 
pursue the course of those who went out last season, 
and form on the route, (whilst Steamboating it up from 
St. Louis, or previously,) some temporary organization 
for the benefit of all. • 

By doing this, and appointing committees to act for 
all, there will be little danger, of what many fear, that 
undue advantages will be taken of them by cattle and 
produce dealers at Kanzas City and elsev/here. Should 
impositions be attempted, by deputing certain individ- 
uals of shrewdness and good judgment to go to the. 
towns a little removed from the river borders and make 
the requisite purchases, sellers will soon find it for their 



TO KANZAS IMMIGRANTS. 



23 



interest to deal justly and act uprightly ; and none but 
fair prices will be demanded. In these cases, as in all 
others of doubt, take coimsel of the Coinpany's Agents, 
as yon?' and their interests are not antagonistic. 

Modes of Communication. — All Letters sent to the 
care of Samuel C. Pome^-oy, Esq., Kanzas City, Mo., 
will be forwarded, as opportunities offer, to the individ- 
ual's address. Those intended for Lawrence, K. T., 
may be addressed direct, as a Post Office has been 
established there. In cases requiring more speedy com- 
munication, advantage can be taken of the Telegraph., 
as an Office is established at Kanzas City, by means of 
which intelligence may be speedily conveyed to, or 
received from, all prominent points throughout New 
England, the Western, Middle, and Southern States. 

Company's Aid. — To correct an error that exten- 
sively prevails, it is well to state, what may be inferred 
from our introductory remarks, that the Company fur- 
nishes no direct pecuniary aid to individuals. Its main 
objects are not eleemosynary or charitable, in the ordi- 
nary acceptation of the word, — hui philanthropic. It 
has not the means to assist, nor, had it, could its officers 
devote the requisite time to investigating the merits of 
individual cases ; these must be left to the care of the 
local auxiliary Leagues, which are recommended, if 
they extend a helping hand, to aid, not by gift, but by 
loan. 

The Company's means have been, and if continued 
to them, will be, employed to encourage the formation of 
settlements, and to advance the prosperity and promote 
the welfare of the various communities that may be es- 
tablished ; in a word, to make, as far and as fast as pos- 
sible, each place, a settlement of freemen, by introduc- 
ing such conveniences, founding and encouraging such 
institutions and establishments, as now characterize 
New England homes, and such as the true principles 
of Freedom and the pure spirit of Liberty invariably 
show are so essential to the perpetuity of good Govern- 
ments, and prove absolutely requisite for securing and 
sustaining the greatest good of the greatest number. 



24 INFORMATION AND ADVICE. 

The Company deals with persons as constituiirg 
Communities ; the Anxiliary Societies or local Leagues 
deal loith them in their individual capacities. 

The importance of publishing these remarks as early 
as possible, prevents our replying to many other inquir- 
ies that have been made of ns. For the present, at 
least, inquirers must therefore be referred for additional 
intelligence to the following authorities. 

Sources of Information. Newspapers. — Those 
who are desirous of procuring a large amount of infor- 
mation at a small expense, and of being kept posted 
up on Territorial affairs, should subscribe to the Kanzas 
Herald of Freedom, published weekly at Lawrence, 
K. T. ; the seven Numbers already issued contain a 
greater quantity of material of a practical character 
than is elsewhere to be found. By sending address and 
subscription, ($2,) to the Secretary, the Paper will in 
due time be forwarded. 

Books. — Rev. Edward E. Hale, of Worcester, Mass., 
has prepared a work entitled " Kanzas and Nebraska," 
and Rev. C. Boynton, of Cincinnati, another, styled 
" Journey through Kanzas;" both of these deserve a 
perusal. Price of each in paper covers, 50 cts, in cloth 
binding, 75 cts. 

Maps. — No satisfactory Map has yet appeared ; neith- 
er can an accurate one be constructed until the Terri- 
tory has been surveyed. A Map, which may answer 
for general purposes, although it presents many inaccu- 
racies, has been published by J. H. Colton, New York ; 
price 25 cents. Another one, which we have not seen, 
but judge to be at least as good, from the character of 
the gentleman by whom it was constructed, Lieut. S. 
Eastman, U. S. A., has been more recently issaed by a 
Philadelphia house. 

Plans. — A Plan of Lawrence has been published 
from actual survey ; price, mounted and varnished, 
^\ 25 ; in sheets, on drawing paper, 75 cents ; on bank 
note paper, suitable for mailing, 50 cents. 

Any of the preceding may be had by addressing the 
Secretary, postage paid, inclosing the price, (and if to be 
transmitted by mail, the amount of additional cost,) in 
current money or postage stamps. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 094 400 6 



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y^m 






